Hip-hop icon The Notorious B.I.G. will be honored this month by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), 20 years after his death.
The late rapper, born Christopher Wallace, will posthumously receive the ASCAP Founders Award at the organization’s 30th annual Rhythm and Soul Music Awards on June 22 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles.
His widow, R&B singer Faith Evans, his mother, Voletta Wallace, and his children will accept the award on his behalf.
The rap legend, best known for his ’90s hits “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems,” “Big Poppa” and “Juicy,” was fatally shot outside an industry party in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, at the age of 24. Affectionately known as Biggie Smalls, his honesty and powerhouse rhymes captivated audiences everywhere and routinely kept him atop the Billboard charts.
According to ASCAP’s website, the Founders Award is the organization’s most prestigious honor and is presented to songwriters and composers “who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators.”
Past recipients of the award include Berry Gordy Jr. and Motown Industries, Paul McCartney, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Quincy Jones, Dr. Dre and Stevie Wonder.